Another Visit to Wallasea Island

4th November 2024

After a successful morning at Two Tree Island time to pop up the road to Wallasea Island to see if the Hen Harriers are about. It was still a calm and sunny day and we didn't have to go far before a male Stonechat appeared in a Hawthorn bush by the stream.

There were lots of Sky Larks about this one was having a dust bath on the path, and gave us a sideways glance before flying off.

Also a lot of Meadow Pipits which were quite flighty, but this individual did pose for a photo on some dead vegetation.

It was now high tide and there was plenty of Shelduck movement as they left the river to roost on the lagoons.

There were also several hundred Black-tailed Godwits roosting on Pool Marsh.

We had been told that the male Hen Harrier hadn't been seen today and that the ring-tail had gone to ground on Pool Marsh a couple of hours ago, so it just a matter of waiting. During this time I could hear several Greenshank calling, but could not locate them until they eventually flew in to the mere.

Then just a minute later they were off again and flew over to the lagoons by the River Roach.

At this point the dark clouds rolled in and covered the sun so we started walking back to the car, Then, fairly predictably, the ring-tail got up and flew towards the sluice. So distant, flying away and into the gloom necessitating an ISO of 6400, not exactly the best combination. I did manage a few record shots but it would have been better to have it flying around in the sunshine.

Still no Short-eared Owls and it seems to be a poor year for them everywhere so far, but I am sure we will be back for the harriers.